KUALA LUMPUR, March 24 – The Melaka State Government has introduced multiple new measures to enhance the welfare of the Orang Asli community, focusing on health insurance, death benefits and educational assistance. 

A total of 93 Orang Asli community leaders, including Tok Batin, members of the Council of Customs, and the Orang Asli Village Management and Development Committee, will receive health insurance and death benefit coverage. 

Melaka has allocated an amount of RM40,000 for this initiative. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab. Rauf Yusoh emphasised that these benefits reflect the government’s commitment to improving the living standards of Orang Asli in Malaysia. 

Educational Assistance for Students

In addition, financial aid totaling RM700,000 has been designated to support 700 Orang Asli students, ranging from preschools to secondary school levels. This campaign aims to reduce educational disparities and provide equal learning opportunities for the children of Orang Asli. 

The Chief Minister also reiterated the government’s focus on preserving the customs, culture, and heritage of the Orang Asli. With 1,986 Orang Asli residing in Melaka, the administration aims to ensure that the community is not left behind in the state’s development efforts.

Education Among Orang Asli In Malaysia

The Orang Asli, indigenous to Peninsular Malaysia, have historically faced challenges in accessing formal education. Factors such as geographical isolation, cultural differences, and socioeconomic constraints have contributed to lower enrollment and higher dropout rates among Orang Asli students. 

Studies have shown that around 50% of Orang Asli students do not continue to secondary education after completing primary school, and only about 30% complete secondary education, which is significantly lower than the national average.

Efforts to improve educational outcomes have included the construction of schools in indigenous villages and the implementation of programs tailored to the unique cultural context of the Orang Asli.

However, challenges persist, including the relevance of the mainstream curriculum to Orang Asli culture and the need for educators to be sensitive to indigenous traditions. ​

The Melaka state government’s recent initiatives aim to address some of these challenges by providing financial support for education and ensuring that Orang Asli students have the resources needed to succeed academically. These measures are part of a broader commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.